John Stones has won six Premier League titles since he made the switch to Manchester City from Everton almost nine years ago.
Stones made 95 appearances for Everton after joining from Barnsley and it quickly became clear that he was a defender destined for the top level.
As a result, Stones has played 277 games for Man City but that tally has slowed down of late owing to injuries sustained by the English defender.
The 30-year-old has only made a handful of starts in the Premier League this season and therefore Stones could leave City this summer — marking the end of another era.
Kevin De Bruyne will leave City as well and it could be a big summer to oversee for new sporting director Hugo Viana.
Everton could be ‘open’ to John Stones return
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now explained Stones’ potential situation this summer, as well as considering a shock return to Everton.
David Moyes’ side are keen to make one or two impressive arrivals to mark the move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock home, and perhaps Stones might prevail as an option.
Discussing Stones’ situation, Bailey said: “John Stones’s future at Manchester City is far from certain.
“City are planning a number of new arrivals this summer and we are going to see a number of changes and that means some of the biggest names from the last decade or so could and will depart.
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“Kyle Walker left in January and we know Kevin De Bruyne is going, things are changing. Ederson, Bernardo Silva and Stones could follow.
“Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two.
“The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 stars in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone.
“If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.
“Stones is settled in the North West so it could be an option. But we have to see the plans new City sporting director Hugo Viana puts into practice, but the defence is a major area they want to work on.”
Richarlison could also return to Everton
Of course, the other big name who could make a return to the blue side of Merseyside is Richarlison.
The Brazilian also left Everton in a big money deal to join Tottenham Hotspur, even if his departure wasn’t as successful as Stones’.
But Everton are interested in signing Richarlison this summer and Spurs are actively trying to sell the forward as well.
Everton’s PSR restrictions could make a permanent deal tricky but perhaps there could be a willingness on both sides to agree a loan.
Richarlison is keen to play as much football as possible ahead of the World Cup, when he wants to be starting for Brazil.
